Strictly Come Dancing has returned for its 20th anniversary series – launching with pizazz as usual, despite the controversy surrounding the show in recent months.
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the opening show saw this year’s celebrities – including former England footballer Paul Merson, TV presenter Nick Knowles, JLS star JB Gill, singer Toyah Willcox and Olympic hockey gold medallist Sam Quek – paired with their dancing partners.
It also marked the return of professional dancer Amy Dowden, who underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023. Dressed in hot pink, the 34-year-old Welsh star took centre stage during a group performance to a medley including Dua Lipa’s Training Season and Jungle’s Busy Earnin’.
The emotional number ended with a hug between the star, who now has “no evidence of disease”, and her fellow professionals.
Amy Dowden is back after having treatment for cancer. Pic: BBC/Kieron McCarron
Strictly returns following a wave of controversy over the alleged treatment of celebrity contestants from previous series – which has led to chaperones being introduced to be present “at all times” during rehearsals.
An investigation was launched by the BBC following allegations made about Giovanni Pernice by actress Amanda Abbington, who took part in 2023, but the findings are yet to be revealed.
Pernice, who left the show, has strongly denied the claims. His departure was followed by that of fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima, after a complaint was raised about his behaviour towards reality star Zara McDermott. Afterwards, Di Prima said he “deeply” regretted the events that led to his departure but said he “wasn’t meaning to kick” McDermott.
TV presenter Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk. Pic: BBC/ Ray Burmiston
Former England footballer Paul Merson is partnered with Karen Hauer. Pic: BBC/ Ray Burmiston
‘You could end up killing the show’
Earlier on Saturday, Strictly’s co-creator, Karen Smith warned continued criticism “could end up killing” the much-loved series.
Speaking to BBC News, the former executive producer said it was “terrible” to think of how the production, celebrities and dancers felt, but added: “It would be a shame if it was picked apart to death and was allowed to die.
“Because journalists, if you keep picking and you keep criticising, you could end up killing the show that you spend weeks and months of the year talking about. So, be careful.”
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But the controversy was not addressed during the opening show of this year’s series, which was full of glitz and glamour, a rainbow of pastel and sherbert colours – and a retro opening dance number mash-up including songs by Vengaboys, Whigfield, 2 Unlimited and Gina G.
This year’s line-up also includes Chris McCausland, who is the first blind contestant on the show, opera singer Wynne Evans, reality TV star Pete Wicks, Gladiator and Olympian Montell Douglas, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, Olympian Tom Dean, and Morning Live resident doctor and NHS GP Dr Punam Krishan.
Singer Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones. Pic: BBC/Ray Burmiston
JB Gill and Amy Dowden. Pic: BBC/Ray Burmiston
‘It feels like my first year again’
Also taking part are Love Island star Tasha Ghouri – the second deaf contestant to compete after former EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis won the series with Pernice in 2021 – X Factor winner Shayne Ward, and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland.
Dowden, who is paired with JLS star Gill, said: “I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JB to have the best time and fall in love with dancing.”
Gill said of Dowden: “She’s brilliant, plus she’s got experience with popstars, so I know I’ll be in good hands.”
Willcox, who has been partnered with dancer Neil Jones, said she was “in heaven” to be dancing with him, and promised she would be the first pensioner to “abseil through this studio”.
McCausland, who is partnered with Dianne Buswell, joked: “We’re going to make mistakes and have a laugh about them. Then we’re going to turn up here and show you all of the mistakes that we’ve learnt.”
Dean warned the audience he has “delicate feet” as he is not used to being on land. “We don’t do any land stuff, no running or jumping, so I’ve never really gone against gravity in my sporting career,” he said.